Tour Overview
Start your day with a spectacular Arizona sunrise in the Sonoran Desert. Ascend the switchbacks to a mountain saddle with an expert local guide and take in incredible early-morning views of the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Camelback Mountain as the desert wakes around you.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Tour Highlights
- Spectacular Sunrise Views: Watch the sun come up over the Valley of the Sun from a mountain saddle, with views of Piestewa Peak, Camelback Mountain, and the surrounding desert range.
- Award-Winning Adventure: Named among the Top 20 Nature and Outdoor Experiences in the United States by a leading travel company in 2025.
- Tailored to You: Go at your own speed - we customize the hike to your mileage, terrain, and grade preferences. Fun for hikers of any skill level.
- Sonoran Desert Ecology: Explore the geology, plants, and animals of the most diverse desert in North America with an expert local guide.
- Viewpoint Break: Relax at an incredible sunrise viewpoint with trail snacks and beverages provided by your guide.
Tour Itinerary
Your adventure begins before dawn, timed to the season's sunrise. Your guide will contact you ahead of the tour with the exact meetup location near the trailhead - rideshare (Uber/Lyft) drop-off and pick-up is available.
Hike for about two hours through the Sonoran Desert at an easy-to-moderate pace. We ascend the switchbacks to a mountain saddle as the desert stretches out for more than 40 miles to the west, catching first light over the Valley of the Sun with views of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Camelback Mountain.
At the viewpoint, relax with trail snacks and beverages while the desert wakes up around you. Headlamps are provided for the pre-dawn start, so all you need to do is enjoy the show.
Pricing
Solo hiker: $195
2-3 hikers: $125 per person
4-10 hikers: $99 per person (1:6 guide ratio)
Pricing includes all permitting and land use fees.
For parties of more than 10, please reach out through our contact page.
Requirements
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
- Walking: Approximately 2 hours on natural-surface trails.
- Attire: Closed-toe footwear such as running, cross-training, or hiking shoes. No sandals, please.
What's Included
- Guide: Expert, professional guide with Wilderness First Responder or EMT certification.
- Gear: Lightweight backpacks and headlamps to use.
- Hydration: Bottles of purified water.
- Snacks: Healthy trail snacks - dietary preferences can be accommodated.
- Fees: Any admission fees to parks or preserves.
- Refreshments: Beverages following your adventure.
What to Bring
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes (running, cross-training, or hiking shoes).
- Clothing: Long-sleeved layers for sun protection and chilly morning temps.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses and a hat or cap.
- Camera: First light on the desert is made for landscape photos.
Season & Departure Times
This tour operates year-round. Rendezvous times are between 4:30 AM and 6:30 AM depending on the season, timed to coincide with the sunrise. Typical duration is 2 hours.
Important Notes
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Please book in advance to ensure guide availability.
WEATHER: Check conditions before you go - see the National Weather Service forecast for the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
Cancellation Policy
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the sunrise hike?
This tour is rated easy to moderate and is fun for hikers of any age and skill level. We go at your own speed and customize the route to your mileage, terrain, and grade preferences over approximately 2 hours on natural-surface trails.
How long does the tour take?
The hike lasts approximately 2 hours, including a viewpoint break with trail snacks and beverages.
What time does the tour start, and where do we meet?
Departures run between 4:30 AM and 6:30 AM depending on the season, timed to catch the sunrise. Your guide will contact you ahead of the tour with the exact meetup location near the trailhead. Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up service are available.
What should I bring?
Closed-toe shoes such as running, cross-training or hiking shoes (no sandals, please), long-sleeved layers for sun protection and chilly morning temps, sunglasses, and a hat or cap. Headlamps, lightweight backpacks, purified water and trail snacks are all provided.
What is included in the tour?
An expert professional guide with Wilderness First Responder or EMT certification, lightweight backpacks and headlamps to use, bottles of purified water, healthy trail snacks (dietary preferences can be accommodated), any admission fees to parks or preserves, and refreshments following your adventure.
What is the cancellation policy?
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for details.
Have more questions? View our Sunrise Hiking Tour FAQ →
